Almaden in San Jose in Santa Clara County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

Mine Air Compressors

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, February 15, 2012

1. Mine Air Compressors Marker

Inscription. These two air compressors are typical of those used in hard-rock mining. The Gardner-Denver air compressor, powered by a gasoline engine, is a mobile type that was moved to wherever it was needed. The Ingersoll-Rand air compressor, powered by an electric motor, is a stationary type and was usually mounted on a concrete slab. These compressors provided high-pressure air mostly to drive percussive rotary rock drills, which were used to drill holes for explosives. The holes were usually 1 ¾ inches in diameter and 6 to 12 feet deep. Rock drills were used both on the surface in open cuts and in tunnel underground.

Compressed air was also used to run air motors for various types of equipment used in underground spaces where fumes from fuel-driven engines would be dangerous, and where electricity was not available or as convenient to use.

These compressors were used in the Guadalupe mine from the 1940s until the mine closed in the 1970s. The Guadalupe Rubbish Company donated the compressors to NAQCPA in 1987.
Gardner-Denver Air Compessor Manufacturer: Gardner-Denver Co., Quincy, IL
Power: Gasoline engine
Output: Unknown
Ingersoll-Rand MotorCompressor Manufacturer: Ingersoll-Rand Co., Montvale, NJ
Power: 220/440V, 3 [ohms] , 60Hz, 176/88A
Output:

Paid Advertisement

Click or scan to see
this page online

100 PSI

Erected by The California State Society Daughters of the American Revolution and New Almaden Quicksilver County Park Association.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce. In addition, it is included in the Daughters of the American Revolution series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1987.

Location. 37° 10.396′ N, 121° 49.581′ W. Marker is in San Jose, California, in Santa Clara County. It is in Almaden. It can be reached from Almaden Road, on the right when traveling south. The Hacienda Mining Display is a short walk on the Deep Gulch Trail from the Almaden Quicksilver County Park parking lot. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: San Jose CA 95120, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in California’s San Francisco Bay Area,

in Silicon Valley,

and on the Coast Ranges.

It is also on the American Pacific Coast.

Globally, it is in North America,

on the Ring of Fire,

in the Pacific Rim,

in the Western Hemisphere,

in the Western World,

and in the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain

and also Mexico’s Alta California.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Skip Loader (here, next to this marker); Mine Ventilation Fans (here, next to this marker); Gould Rotary Furnace and Condensing System (a few steps from this marker); Mancha “Little Trammer” Battery Locomotive (a few steps from this marker); D Retort and Condensing System (a few steps from this marker); Shaker-Concentrator (a few steps from this marker); Mercury Storage Vault (a few steps

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, February 15, 2012

2. Mine Air Compressors Marker

from this marker); Hoeing Table and Cleaning Tank (a few steps from this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in San Jose.

More about this marker. The Hacienda Mining Display is still under development.

Mine Air Compressors image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, February 15, 2012

3. Mine Air Compressors

Credits. This page was last revised on February 7, 2023. It was originally submitted on February 19, 2012, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 1,309 times since then and 36 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on February 19, 2012, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.